Inspector MC Sharma dies fighting the terrorists

September 20, 2008

Inspector MC Sharma who led the Delhi encounter today (Sep 19) succumbs to injuries, a senior police official said. Sharma was a highly decorated officer of Delhi Police. Terrorists had fired at Inspector Sharma during the encounter.

Winner of seven gallantry medals, Delhi Police Special Cell officer Mohan Chand Sharma was critically injured today during the encounter with Indian Mujahideen militants in Delhi. He died after battling for life for nearly eight hours.

Sharma (41), who led today’s daring encounter at Jamia Nagar where five terrorists linked with the recent serial blasts in the country were holed up, had received three bullet injuries on his abdomen, thighs and right arm. The inspector, who was bleeding profusely, was rushed to the nearby Holy Family hospital where he was operated upon and later put on life support systems.

After battling with his injuries for nearly eight hours, he was declared dead at seven in the evening. “We have lost our best man,” Joint Commissioner of Police (Special Cell) Karnal Singh told. Sharma, who is survived by his wife and two young children, had won seven gallantry medals including a President’s medal this year.

Delhi Police Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma had joined Delhi Police as a sub-inspector in 1989 and was responsible for elimination of scores of militants and criminals, today went down fighting as bravely as he served the police force so far. Considered an encounter specialist and posted with elite anti-terror squad Special Cell, Sharma was a highly decorated officer with seven gallantry medals to his credit.

During his meritorious service, he was instrumental in the killing of 35 terrorists and the arrest of another 80 militants. At least 40 inter-state gangsters also fell to the bullets of Sharma who was part of a team which meant terror for criminals. He also arrested another 129 gangsters.

Two militants involved in serial blast in Delhi and other places were killed in the encounter today while another militant was arrested.

PM condoles Sharma’s death

Prime Minister Manmohan Singh today condoled the death of Delhi Police officer M C Sharma and described him as an “exceptionally brave officer who has been an inspiration to the security forces”

In a letter to Sharma’s wife, Singh said, “I was shocked to know about the sad demise of your husband, Inspector M C Sharma, who laid down his life in defending the security of our country.” “It is officers like your husband who make us all feel confident that our security is in safe hands. Your husband’s passing away is a great loss for our country and society,” Singh said in his letter.

The Prime Minister also hailed the exceptional courage that Sharma had shown throughout his career and the gallantry awards he had won over the years.

Sonia Gandhi expresses distress over policeman’s death

Congress President Sonia Gandhi tonight expressed deep distress over the death of Inspector Mohan Chand Sharma of Delhi Police, who succumbed to injuries during an operation against terrorists here. In a condolence message she said that Sharma battled with the terrorists valiantly and sacrificed his life in the service of the country. “Our battle against terrorism will continue with full resolve,